The Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has not given up hope of signing the Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

City have already had bids of £15m and £18m turned down for the unsettled England international. The Everton manager David Moyes has also taken a hard line with the player by rejecting a written transfer request.

"We have made offers and shown interest, obviously that is seen by virtue of the bids we have put in," said Hughes. "But they have been rejected and Everton are fully in their rights to do that, we respect that. We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether or not the deal continues. Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate."

If a deal for Lescott fails to materialise Hughes is likely to move on to other targets. City have already signed one defender this summer in Kolo Touré from Arsenal but West Ham's Matthew Upson is another player to have been linked with Eastlands.

"We were looking to strengthen the defensive options we have got. We have done that in respect of Kolo, we are very pleased he is here," said Hughes. "I have stated we would like further strengthening to take place but if not we go with what we have got."

Hughes has also revealed a fitness concern over the striker Emmanuel Adebayor ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener at Blackburn. Adebayor has been on international duty with Togo this week.

He said: "He's got a slight issue with his groin which needs checking out, so we'll get him back as soon as we can."